Scott calls for day of prayer for unity Sunday

Jul. 19, 2013

Gov. Rick Scott described the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin as a tragedy and said that all affected by “Trayvon’s death remain in our thoughts and prayers,” while also noting that emotions are “running high.” / AP

Written by

J.D. Gallop

FLORIDA TODAY

Gov. Rick Scott declared Sunday a statewide day of prayer for unity as groups across the nation prepare to march Saturday in protest of the not guilty verdict in the George Zimmerman trial.

Scott described the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin as a tragedy and said that all affected by “Trayvon’s death remain in our thoughts and prayers,” while also noting that emotions are “running high.”

The declaration of prayer was made after Scott met with the Dream Defenders, a group of youth who called for an end to the controversial Stand Your Ground law, according to media reports. The call to prayer by the governor was welcomed among Brevard County pastors.

“Listen, I’m totally calling for reconciliation. It’s a time for reconciliation and Sunday is a good starting time,” said Pastor Errol Beckford of the 500-member Celebration Tabernacle Church in Cocoa.

“If every pastor would spend five minutes to pray and unite around the theme of love, then I believe healing will take place in our cities and nation. The church is a light to the community,” said Beckford, one of the organizers of last week’s prayer vigil in Cocoa that drew several pastors and dozens of participants.

Saturday, Beckford and others will march along Fiske Boulevard in Cocoa saying prayers and calling for restoration. “We’re incorporating everyone, Trayvon and anyone else. We have to pray around the cross, we have to send the right message to everyone out there.”

In addition, South Brevard churches have organized A Justice March for Trayvon Martin starting at noon Saturday, July 20, at Melbourne City Hall, 900 E. Strawbridge Ave.